Bottom Line: Greene proving his worth with Colorado

Former Evans star Todd Greene is having one of his finest seasons in the big leagues. Greene signed with the Colorado Rockies in the off-season after being released by the Texas Rangers. Greene chose Colorado because he was given a guaranteed contract and was told that he would play at least every third game at catcher.

Greene is the backup for All-Star catcher Charles Johnson, who currently makes $9 million per season. This weekend was very interesting for Greene. Rumors were swirling that Johnson would be dealt to the L.A. Dodgers. The Dodgers needed a catcher after dealing Paul La Duca to the Florida Marlins. Greene had proven to the Rockies that he could help the team, and if he was given an opportunity to hit every day his numbers could soar. Also, with Greene's $650,000 contract, the Rockies would be saving a ton of money.

So far in 2004 Greene has hit .274 with 10 doubles, eight home runs and 29 RBIs in just 148 at bats. Over the last three seasons he has hit a home run in every 16 at bats (28 homers in 463 at bats). Baseball's $25 million dollar man, Alex Rodriguez, is averaging a homer every 18.5 at bats this season. And this year Greene has outhit Johnson. When you compare the two at the plate, Greene looks like the best bargain in baseball:

Charles Johnson

At bats Home Runs RBI's

244 11 (1:22 at bats) 41 (1:60 at bats)

Todd Greene

At Bats Home Runs RBI's

148 8 (1:18 at bats) 29 (1:51 at bats)

Plus, Greene's .274 batting average is 20 points higher than Johnson's .254. And don't forget, Greene makes $8.35 million less this season. Now, in all fairness Johnson has become known more for his defense, but offensively there is no question the Rockies would be in great shape had the Johnson deal gone through.

The deal never happened, so Greene will continue to serve as Johnson's backup. But he has passed yet another test in his big-league career. Hopefully, he will get a two- or three-year deal this off-season. He has certainly earned it.